Recommend a Warm Resort for February with Elementary-Aged Kids

[Anonymous]

I'm suffering from paralysis of analysis and need to trim down my options. Our family of 4 (8 and 10 year old kids) wants to take a trip to the Caribbean for an extended weekend. I've tried going through other threads on DCUM, but it's tough to navigate.

We're leaning towards an all-inclusive resort because we just want a few days to relax and really not have to think about much including "what do you want to eat." I know AIs are divisive on here but hopefully this won't turn into a debate about their merits. For what it's worth, we've done non-resort travel (that would likely satisfy the pickier DCUM folks). Our only AI family experience is going to the Hyatt Ziva in Cancun (which the kids loved). Ideally, we'd do something similar to Hyatt Ziva (but, for something new, not the Hyatt Ziva again)

Main requirements are non-stop from DCA or IAD, an better than midlevel AI (relatively speaking) but not the most expensive (less than $800/night), pools that will be fun for the kids, food better than your typical AI, and some kind of kids' activities. The only island that's not an option is the DR but we'd like to save money on airfare if possible.

If there are non-all-inclusive resorts that make sense for pure relaxation, I'm open to those, but this is unlikely to be a sightseeing, culture-immersion experience. Just lay around and veg out for a few days while the kids get pool/beach time.

Thanks in advance.

[Anonymous]

If I were you I'd just head down to Atlantis in the Bahamas. It's not AI per se, but you can do AI packages. Tons of stuff for kids.

[Anonymous]

Skip passports and book a direct flight to Puerto Rico. Stay at El Conquistador resort in Fajardo, PR which has its own water park and nice pool area and slide for little kids, plus a lazy river, and their own private island and plenty of space to run around and be free.

Or for a slightly more expensive option the Ritz Carlton Dorado Beach resort has playgrounds, awesome beaches, a beach club, its own water mill waterpark for kids of all ages, spa, great restaurants and great vibe.


Another option is the Wyndham Rio Mar. Nice but not as exciting as the other two. But it it’s right in front of El Yunque rain forest where you can hike and swim, and it’s right on the beach.

[Anonymous]

United from IAD had direct flights to San Juan. It’s only. 3.5 hour flight. Easy peasy and Puerto Rico is very family friendly.

[Anonymous]

Not AI, but we've been to Aruba 10 times because of the nonstop flights, relatively easy airport, friendly locals, safety and convenience. Many chain hotels on a strip with a variety of restaurants across the street. Favorites in order - Ritz, Marriott Stellaris, Hyatt, Hilton. There is also a Renaissance in downtown with a private island that has flamingos. That is a fun experience too.

Our favorite island is Cayman but we've been to Aruba more for the convenience.

[Anonymous]

Beaches Turks and Caicos but you’ll need a stop in Miami.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not AI, but we've been to Aruba 10 times because of the nonstop flights, relatively easy airport, friendly locals, safety and convenience. Many chain hotels on a strip with a variety of restaurants across the street. Favorites in order - Ritz, Marriott Stellaris, Hyatt, Hilton. There is also a Renaissance in downtown with a private island that has flamingos. That is a fun experience too.

Our favorite island is Cayman but we've been to Aruba more for the convenience.

Came here to recommend Aruba too. Previous poster nailed it. We stay at the Hilton or the Hyatt. Not all inclusive but food is easy.

[Anonymous]

OP here and thanks for the suggestions. It helped a lot

[Anonymous]

How are you flying direct Washington (IAD or DCA) to Aruba. I checked United and others but didn't find any for Feb 2025.

[Anonymous]

Hyatt Ziva in Cancun or Cap Cana.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How are you flying direct Washington (IAD or DCA) to Aruba. I checked United and others but didn't find any for Feb 2025.

United is only on weekends. Southwest out of BWI has daily flights.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Skip passports and book a direct flight to Puerto Rico. Stay at El Conquistador resort in Fajardo, PR which has its own water park and nice pool area and slide for little kids, plus a lazy river, and their own private island and plenty of space to run around and be free.

Or for a slightly more expensive option the Ritz Carlton Dorado Beach resort has playgrounds, awesome beaches, a beach club, its own water mill waterpark for kids of all ages, spa, great restaurants and great vibe.


Another option is the Wyndham Rio Mar. Nice but not as exciting as the other two. But it it’s right in front of El Yunque rain forest where you can hike and swim, and it’s right on the beach.

“Slightly more expensive option” - we have different definitions of slightly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Skip passports and book a direct flight to Puerto Rico. Stay at El Conquistador resort in Fajardo, PR which has its own water park and nice pool area and slide for little kids, plus a lazy river, and their own private island and plenty of space to run around and be free.

Or for a slightly more expensive option the Ritz Carlton Dorado Beach resort has playgrounds, awesome beaches, a beach club, its own water mill waterpark for kids of all ages, spa, great restaurants and great vibe.


Another option is the Wyndham Rio Mar. Nice but not as exciting as the other two. But it it’s right in front of El Yunque rain forest where you can hike and swim, and it’s right on the beach.

“Slightly more expensive option” - we have different definitions of slightly.

I feel this poster brings up Ritz Carlton Dorado Beach on every travel recommendation post they respond to.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Skip passports and book a direct flight to Puerto Rico. Stay at El Conquistador resort in Fajardo, PR which has its own water park and nice pool area and slide for little kids, plus a lazy river, and their own private island and plenty of space to run around and be free.

Or for a slightly more expensive option the Ritz Carlton Dorado Beach resort has playgrounds, awesome beaches, a beach club, its own water mill waterpark for kids of all ages, spa, great restaurants and great vibe.


Another option is the Wyndham Rio Mar. Nice but not as exciting as the other two. But it it’s right in front of El Yunque rain forest where you can hike and swim, and it’s right on the beach.

We liked the El Conquistador. The private island was about a 15 minute boat ride away and it was better than I expected. Lots of beach chairs, a restaurant, etc. You can pay extra for reserved chairs with a tiki style umbrella for shade, but when we were there reservations weren't necessary. DCs got a kick out of the funicular. It's also close to the bio bay if you decide to do that. But reservations were needed for the boat and dinner at night. Hopefully they've fixed that issue so definitely read recent reviews.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Skip passports and book a direct flight to Puerto Rico. Stay at El Conquistador resort in Fajardo, PR which has its own water park and nice pool area and slide for little kids, plus a lazy river, and their own private island and plenty of space to run around and be free.

Or for a slightly more expensive option the Ritz Carlton Dorado Beach resort has playgrounds, awesome beaches, a beach club, its own water mill waterpark for kids of all ages, spa, great restaurants and great vibe.


Another option is the Wyndham Rio Mar. Nice but not as exciting as the other two. But it it’s right in front of El Yunque rain forest where you can hike and swim, and it’s right on the beach.

“Slightly more expensive option” - we have different definitions of slightly.

I feel this poster brings up Ritz Carlton Dorado Beach on every travel recommendation post they respond to.

Yeah. We keep seeing it. I think they haven't actually been anywhere else.